Volkswagen Group sets new U.S. sales mark with Chattanooga Passat's help

DETROIT - Powered in large part by sales of the Chattanooga-based Passat, Volkswagen Group of America set a new sales record in 2012, besting a 42-year-old mark, the company reported today.

The group's sales, which include the VW brand as well as Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti, delivered 580,286 vehicles, the company said on the eve of the start of the North American International Auto Show on Monday.

The group's previous sales record was 577,387 in 1970.

Passat sales were 117,023 in 2012, also a new record for VW. Jetta sales totaled 170,424, the company said.

Jonathan Browning, Volkswagen Group of America's chief executive, said in a statement that officials are "pleased to see all of our brands contributing to growth and setting this new landmark."

Frank Fischer, who heads VW's operations in Chattanooga, said 2012 has been "a very successful year."